Experience the rich traditions and culture of Fiji while living and working in small villages, then explore the vibrant beauty of these tropical islands by inflatable kayak, sailboat, and surfboard. Earn up to 60 hours of community service living in a rural village while teaching English and computer skills to elementary school children. Help build a water system for a highlands school. Learn about Fijian culture while constructing a traditional Bure. Between projects, learn to SCUBA dive in a blue lagoon, sail among the Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands, and surf the gentle waves of Natadola Beach. Gain satisfaction from helping others in this South Pacific paradise.
Sail Fijian Islands
Following our group flight from Los Angeles, we'll board our live-aboard sailboat for 2 days of exploring the tiny Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands. Along our journey, we'll learn about Fijian customs, culture, and traditions while acquiring basic sailing skills. Snorkeling will be great in many small lagoons, and the South Pacific sunsets are magnificent as we dine on local fare.Live and Work in a Highlands Village
Our initial service projects are in a remote mountain village where we are welcomed by the Chief and "adopted" by the villagers. We will delight in teaching English to school children and then assist them with computer skills so they can function outside their village. We will then assist the villagers by helping them construct a water line to their school and help with other much-needed projects. Our evenings will be spent sharing meals made by the villagers and learning more about their colorful culture.Learn to SCUBA Dive in Beqa Lagoon
We’ll take a break from service work and spend 4 days amidst the spectacular underwater beauty of Beqa Lagoon, Fiji’s finest location for diving and snorkeling. We will earn our PADI Open Water Diver certification, or for those already certified, we can upgrade to a PADI Advanced Open Water certification. Students who do not want to dive have numerous snorkeling options. (All students who wish to dive must pass a thorough diving physical and cannot have suffered from asthma or have used an inhaler.)Inflatable Kayak the Luva River
Warmed by the hot southern hemisphere sunshine, the Luva River flows past friendly villages and through remarkably lush canyons. Waterfalls, exotic creatures, and beautiful bottomless pools will enchant us as we skillfully negotiate the Class II rapids of this stunning river.Build a Traditional Bure
Returning to service, we’ll relocate to a traditional coastal village where we’ll be welcomed by the Chief and the elders. We’ll then help the villagers build a traditional ceremonial Bure used for weddings and other community events. In Fijian tradition and using Fijian methods, the boys will construct the walls, and the girls will weave the thatched roof of this much-needed building.Surf Fiji’s Finest Beach
Before our final day in this island paradise, we will spend a day surfing along the beautiful Natadola Beach, perfect for beginners. The gentle waves make this location the ultimate spot for acquiring basic paddling and stance techniques. The next day, we’ll be off to Nadi for souvenirs and our final banquet. We’ll depart on our group flight to Los Angeles having made new, lifelong friends while serving others less fortunate in a spectacular corner of the globe.
